Wednesday

His trial involves the deaths of Stacey Stanley and Elizabeth Griffith. He has been linked to the deaths of three other women, including Candice Cunningham of Canton.

ASHLAND An Ohio man accused of killing two women pleaded guilty to 15 of the 23 charges in the middle of his trial Wednesday.

However, Shawn Grate's pleas did not include the four aggravated murder charges, three kidnapping charges and an aggravated robbery charge involving his deceased victims Stacey Stanley and Elizabeth Griffith.

In addition to the deaths of two women he is on trial for in Ashland County Common Pleas Court, Grate has been linked to the deaths of three other women -- two in neighboring Richland County and another in Marion County.

One of those other women was Candice Cunningham of Canton.

Ashland County Prosecutor Chris Tunnell said Grate’s attorneys approached him yesterday saying their client was willing to plead to the 15 non-murder counts. There were no promises made by the state, Tunnell said.

As each of the 15 charges were read, Grate, softly replied, “Guilty, Your Honor.”

If sentenced to the maximum on the 15 charges, Grate could be sentenced up to 72 years (50 years mandatory) to life in prison, Judge Ronald P. Forsthoefel said. The maximum fines would be $170,000.

Forsthoefel asked Grate why he decided to enter the pleas.

“To keep from rubbing it in her face anymore,” Grate said, appearing to reference the Jane Doe listed in the charges that make up the bulk of the 15 counts.

In tapes of interviews with police played earlier for the jury, Grate said he had romantic feelings for the woman identified as Jane Doe. She is the one who called 911 and said she had been abducted by Grate, which led to his arrest on Sept. 13, 2016.

Grate pleaded guilty to four counts of rape, two counts of gross abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, kidnapping, robbery, four counts of burglary and a charge of breaking and entering.

Following the return of the jury following Grate's pleas, the trial on the remaining charges continued with the state calling two final witnesses before resting. The defense rested without calling any witnesses.

The trial will proceed on Monday with closing arguments and jury instructions with deliberations to follow.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Sister Publications

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
Times Reporter ~ 629 Wabash Ave. NW New Philadelphia, OH 44663 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service